So I set forth a budget, and the wife has been compliant. Things are pretty tight financially for the foreseeable future. However, she had some questions recently. Figured I would get the community's thoughts before I made a decision and responded.

  1. Budget has allowances for us both to get haircuts as needed (predetermined frequency), and for us both to have basic gym membership. She currently does not have a gym membership. I have encouraged her to get one, and I didnt want money to be an issue holding her back (as it shouldnt be for health and fitness). She wants to use this money alloted for gym membership and her haircut, and spend it on other things she would rather. Essentially add it to her discretionary spending amount (we each have one).

My first thought is NO. That money is set aside in the budget for those things, its not my fault if you don't take advantage of them. Her point, which is valid, is that those things are for her benifit, so she should be able to choose what those monies go toward. If she doesnt want a haircut, thats her choice and she should be able to spend the money she is saving elsewhere.

  1. Right now, her makeup and fancy facewash shit comes from her discretionary spending account. Because its not grocery or bills. Her point is that my razors and whatever assorted grooming products, etc which can be found at the grocery store on grocery trips is not my discretionary money. Should I review her products, and give an allowance to purchase these outside of her personal discretionary account?